Ted Cruz joins race for U.S. Senate

Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz has jumped into the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Cruz had actively campaigned for the job of Texas attorney general in 2009 when it looked lilke Hutchison would resign to run for governor. The expectation had been that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst would vacate his post to run for Senate and that Cruz’ old boss, Attorney General Greg Abbott, would run for lieutenant governor.

When Hutchison withdrew her promise to resign, it froze Dewhurst and Abbott in place and Cruz out of the picture for the 2010 election cycle.

Cruz is a favorite with the social conservative side of the Republican primary vote and likely would compete for that sector if Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams continues his run. Williams is expected to resign his seat today to concentrate on running.

Dewhurst, a millionaire, has indicated he will run. And his money might make the race tough for anyone else. Two other Republicans in the race are Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones and former Secretary of State Roger Williams.